The whole concept of the mind:body connection is often thrown up as a reason to meditate. The premise being that when you relax the mind that you can affect the state of the body.
This is totally true of course – a positive attitude can improve the immune response whilst conversely fear and sadness will reduce the ability of the body to respond to stress. It is always worth working on your mindset and becoming more aware of your habitual thought patterns.
The mind:body connection is, though, a 2 way process – and this is discussed less. Without any doubt the way you hold your body will affect your mental state.
Consider the difference between a standing position with the weight unevenly distributed between the feet, back poorly supported, shoulders slumped, head forward and eyes to the floor – and a posture with weight evenly distributed between the feet, strong legs and even hips, glutes and core engaged to give upright spinal position and shoulders engaged – with the head stacked above as if an invisible thread were attached and eyes directed forward. Add a smile – and see how that affects your mindset.
It’s a 2-way process.
My 2020 Story 